I thought my career would take me into law, finance, or maybe even Wall Street. Creative production was never part of the plan. But a receptionist role at FCB unexpectedly opened the door to the career I was actually meant for.

I started in consumer advertising, learning the fast pace and complexity of building campaigns for global brands such as Chase, Citi, Tropicana, Revlon, Nabisco, Avon. As my career began to grow, I made a pivot into healthcare advertising — a move that initially felt intimidating and unfamiliar. But everything changed after producing my first HIV awareness campaign featuring real patients sharing their lived experiences.

One story, in particular, stayed with me.

A 19-year-old Black girl bravely shared how her very first sexual experience resulted in contracting HIV. She wanted to use her voice to help others who lacked the education, guidance, and support to protect themselves and advocate for their health. Watching her step into that vulnerability with such courage changed the way I viewed this work forever.

I never looked back.

That experience taught me that storytelling can do more than sell a product — it can create awareness, dignity, connection, and real human impact. Since then, I’ve spent more than 20 years leading global productions and integrated campaigns across consumer and healthcare brands, building not only creative work, but also strong teams, trusted partnerships, and spaces where people feel supported and empowered to do their best work.

At the end of the day, I believe great work should also create joy, connection, and memorable experiences — ideally with a little dancing and a margarita involved.

When I’m not working a little too hard (which, admittedly, happens often), I am taking in a Broadway show, planning my next trip, discovering a great restaurant with my family and friends (I am a huge foodie!) or curled up with a good book or podcast. I also love salsa dancing and have a very strong track record of turning industry events and wrap parties into unofficial dance floors. But my favorite person to do life with is my daughter, Zuri — aka Lil Z.

She’s my why, my biggest supporter, and honestly, my daily affirmation.

One day at school, she was asked what her mom did for work. Her answer: “She’s the boss of commercials.”

I have the t-shirt.